Elden was born on December 31, 1931 in Shelly, ID. He married the love of his life, Claudia Evans on June 10, 1953 in Reno, NV. The two relocated to Nevada County where Elden was a superintendent at Nevada Irrigation District. He was a faithful member of Abundant Life Community Church. Elden enjoyed fishing, reading and gardening. He was a loyal friend, a loving husband, father, and grandfather.